Chapter 5: Templates & Tools
A programme is not a collection of projects; it is a system for delivering coordinated strategic outcomes and shared business benefits.
Purpose
This section defines the core programme-level artefacts required to plan, govern, and monitor a programme. These templates are mandatory for all initiatives classified as programmes.
How to Use This Chapter
- Select all programme-level artefacts when the programme threshold is met: ≥2 related projects + shared strategic objective + benefits aggregation required.
- Maintain programme artefacts in parallel with project artefacts — updates occur at each tollgate review.
- Store final versions in the central repository, with version control managed by the Programme Manager.
Programme Management Deliverables — Summary
| Artefact | Purpose | Owner | When | Updated | |———-|———|——-|——|———-| | Mandate | Strategic intent, scope, rationale | Sponsor | P0 | P1 | | Charter | Objectives, governance, roadmap | Sponsor | P1 | P2 | | Governance Register | Structure, boards, roles | PM | P1 | Ongoing | | Roadmap | Project sequencing | PM | P1 | P2–P5 | | Benefits Register | Benefits, owners, measures | BOs | P1 | Each cycle | | Benefits Plan | Delivery, measurement, tracking | PM | P2 | P3–P5 | | Interdependency Map | Dependencies, sequencing | PM | P2 | P3–P5 | | Risk & Issue Log | Programme-level risks/issues | PM | P2 | Ongoing | | Schedule | Integrated project timelines | PM | P2 | Ongoing | | Dashboard | Delivery, benefits, risk, change | PM | P3 | Monthly | | Health Report | Programme performance review | PM | P3 | As needed | | Benefits Report (Final) | Benefits delivered vs. baseline | PM | P5 | Closure | | Closure Report | Programme completion, sign-off | PM | P5 | Closure | | Lessons Learned | Successes, issues, recommendations | PM | P5 | Closure |
Template Descriptions
Programme Mandate
Initial document to justify programme approach. Covers strategic drivers, anticipated benefits, related projects, scope boundaries, initial risks/dependencies. Keep 2–4 pages and high-level until approved.
Programme Charter
Primary definition of programme’s objectives, governance, scope, and outcomes. Includes vision, measurable objectives, governance structure, roadmap, initial benefits register, budget outline. Must be approved before significant investment.
Benefits Realisation Plan
Roadmap for delivering and tracking benefits through lifecycle. Covers measurement methodology, timelines, dependencies, ownership, tracking approach. Baselined at P2, reviewed at each gate.
Programme Interdependency Map
Visual map of critical inter-project dependencies and sequencing. Shows dependency type, source, impact, mitigation. Reviewed quarterly.
Programme Dashboard
Monthly one-page view of programme health covering delivery, benefits, risks, change readiness. Data sourced from project reports and benefits tracking.